School Social Workers

School District Honors School Social Workers in National Observance
Posted on 03/08/2021
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The Carson City School District (CCSD) is pleased to honor 13 school social workers during National School Social Work Week, March 7-13, 2021. Sponsored by the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), the week will help highlight the tremendous impact school social workers have in addressing students’ social, emotional and mental health needs, especially during the past year in the challenging face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“School Social Workers play a linking role, helping families to access the supports, services and resources needed to promote student success,” said Dave Caloiaro, program manager for School Social Worker and Mental Health Services for the Carson City School District. “School Social Workers are also involved in advocacy, on behalf of their students and families. And they play a vital role in schools, providing services to students, families and the school community.”

They also provide vital support to school staff, invest their time, training and expertise to remedy barriers to learning and academic success, Caloiaro continued. They work with teachers, administrators, parents and other educators to provide coordinated social, emotional and mental health interventions and consultation designed to keep students in school, and to offer hope.

Often considered the front-line of mental health services, School Social Workers can make great contributions to improving school culture and climate, thereby increasing school safety through trusting relationships built with students and their families.

All CCSD School Social Workers hold a master’s degree in social work (MSW) and hold professional social work licenses through the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers (Nevada’s official Social Work Licensing Board). Additionally, the CCSD is the only school district in the state which has at least one school social worker in each and every one of its schools. 

CCSD’s 13 school social workers are:

  • Alejandra Ayala, Carson High School
  • James Marrone, Carson High School
  • Erik Tedrowe, Carson High School
  • Danielle Langum, Pioneer High School
  • Rebecca Beddoe, Carson Middle School
  • Tori Smith, Carson Middle School
  • Maggie Portillo, Eagle Valley Middle School
  • Nicole Sitton, Fritsch Elementary School
  • Carmel Young, Bordewich-Bray Elementary School
  • Paulina Hernandez, Fremont Elementary School
  • Kaitlyn Griffiths, Mark Twain Elementary School
  • Camilla Jorst, Empire Elementary School
  • Mary Lee, Seeliger Elementary School

“School social workers are humble professionals,” says Rebecca Oliver, executive director for the SSWAA, the only national organization exclusively dedicated to the profession of school social work. “School Social Workers often are the voice for students and families but do not always voice the value they add to the school community. These same professionals also take great joy in the services and support they are able to offer. We join with the students, families, and school staff across the nation in saluting their school social workers on the celebration of School Social Work Week 2021!”